Eurovision 2023: BBC sheds light on the host city bidding process

Eurovision 2023: BBC sheds light on the host city bidding process
Thursday, 04 August 2022

  • The British national broadcaster,BBC, has shed light on the hosting bidding race for Eurovision 2023. 

    BBC which will be responsible along with EBU for the next contest in May 2023 has revealed the process through which the Eurovision 2023 host city will be determined. 

    Through a FAQ statement BBC has released some details on how the Eurovision host city bidding race will unfold next weeks. It is a two-stage process and to be considered, any potential candidates must meet a set of minimum standards that demonstrate they have the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity

    In the first one stage during cities will officially submit their bidding proposals to [email protected] while in the  second round shortlisted cities will give the final battle for the final selection. 

    Regarding the  the key requirements for hosting the next contest the broadcaster states: 

    The final decision on selecting the Host City will be based on a city or region’s capacity and capability in meeting the BBC’s and the EBU’s requirements, as well as availability of resources and general experience in hosting a large and complex event such as the Eurovision Song Contest.

     

    EBU's requirements for hosting Eurovision 

    Taking into account what has happened int he past, In order for a city to host the Eurovision SOng Contest in 2022 it must meet a specific number of  requirements. Namely the host city must have: 

    • An international airport no more than 90 minutes from the city.

    • Over 2,000 hotel rooms in the area close to the event.

    • An infrastructure (stadium/venue/centre) capable of hosting a large-scale live broadcast with the minimum requirements listed below.

    In addtion the infrastructure should:

    • Be indoors with air-conditioning and have a well defined perimeter;

    • Have an audience capacity in the main hall of around 8,000 – 10,000 during the event (which corresponds to 70% of maximum capacity of that venue for regular concerts, taking into consideration the specific stage and production needs of the Eurovision Song Contest);

    • Have a main hall with the capacity to house the set and all other requirements needed to produce a high level broadcast production (this includes good specifications of load capacity in the roof, clearance to low beams, easy load in access, etc);

    • Have ample space within easy access of the main hall to support additional production needs, such as: a press centre, delegation spaces, dressing rooms, artist facilities, staff facilities, hospitality, audience facilities, etc;

    • Be available exclusively for 6 weeks before the event, 2 weeks during the show (which will take place in May) and a week after the end of the event for dismantling.

     

    The final decision on the next Eurovision host city is expected to take place sometime in Autumn. 

     

    News source: BBC

    Image: EBU/Corinne Cumming